Grand Teton and Yellowstone Backcountry Minus the Backpack

Kayaking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks

Geysers, razor-sharp peaks, hot springs, mud pots, scenic rivers, and wildlife are just a sampling of the amazing sights Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks have to offer visitors.

So it’s no surprise that together these two national parks, which are situated only a few miles from each other, host more than 5 million people per year. But here’s the thing: most visitors never leave the road.

You would think that with a collective area of almost 4,000 square miles of pristine wilderness waiting to be explored, that more people would opt to head into the backcountry, right? Well, there’s just one problem. For many, backpacking conjures up not-so-pleasant thoughts of 50-pound packs, freeze-dried meals, and tons of planning.

So what if we told you there was another way?

If backpacking isn’t your style, but you want incredible access to areas few people see, a kayaking trip may be the answer. Check out the video below or head over to our post on the National Park Foundations’s Travel Ideas blog for the full scoop on kayaking in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

By Cari Morgan

Cari Morgan is OARS’ Communications Manager. Along with overseeing the company’s blog, The Eddy, she also manages the OARS social media sphere.